Influencer Strategy
December 11, 2024 | EDLD 5304 | Fall 2024
"Educators are the architects of the future, shaping minds and igniting the flame of knowledge."
Results
The goal is to leverage more digital resources, such as interactive checklists and artificial intelligence, to enhance outreach and engagement with both prospective and continuing college students. By integrating these tools, we can provide personalized, efficient communication and offer a more responsive experience. However, it’s crucial to maintain the personable touch that colleges value, ensuring that students feel heard, supported, and connected to the institution. The balance between innovative technology and human interaction will foster a more dynamic and effective approach to student engagement, making it easier for students to navigate their college journey while still feeling like they are part of a community.
The effectiveness of digitalized outreach tools can be measured by comparing the number of college applicants from previous years to the current year, as an increase in applications could indicate that the tools are resonating with prospective students. Also, gathering student feedback through surveys provides valuable insights into how well these digital tools are engaging students and meeting their needs. This feedback allows for a deeper understanding of students' experiences and can highlight areas for improvement. By combining these quantitative and qualitative measures, we can assess the impact of digital outreach efforts and make informed adjustments to enhance future engagement.
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Changing Vital Behaviors
The vital behaviors I aim to change in higher education focus on embracing a more dynamic and tech-savvy approach to student engagement, while still prioritizing personal connection and support. I want to encourage a shift towards utilizing more digital tools, such as interactive platforms, prospective student portals, and data-driven outreach, to enhance the student experience. At the same time, it's essential to ensure that these technological advancements do not replace human interaction, but rather complement it, so that students still feel valued and personally connected to the institution.
Organizational Influencers
More creative, tech-savvy, and out-the-box thinkers would be my key organizational influencers because they possess a deeper understanding of how to effectively leverage technology and digital tools to engage with students. Their familiarity with current technological trends and platforms makes them better equipped to connect with the younger generation, who are often more accustomed to interacting through digital means. These staff members can help drive innovation within the institution by designing engaging, user-friendly digital experiences that resonate with today’s students. Their insights and adaptability are crucial for shaping outreach strategies that align with the expectations and preferences of the modern student body, ensuring that the institution stays relevant and effective in its engagement efforts.
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Senior staff members may not be the best choice as organizational influencers for the adoption of digital outreach tools because many of them (not all!) hold the belief that technology could undermine the personal experience that is central to the institution's culture. Their long-established focus on traditional, face-to-face interactions with students may make them hesitant to embrace digital solutions fully, viewing them as a potential replacement rather than a complement to human connection. This mindset could limit their effectiveness in driving the adoption of new technologies, as they may prioritize preserving the status quo over exploring innovative ways to enhance the student experience through digital tools.
Six Sources of Influence
